Hello Joan. I don't mean to be a "smart alec" here at all, but if you want to avoid using aluminum foil, just don't use it! :) If you could add a more specific question I might be able to offer more specific advice, but meanwhile, maybe these ideas will help.

Buy cooking and baking dishes and pans that come with lids as an alternative to foil coverings. Use a vegetable spray or butter/oil/fat to coat roasting pans and baking dishes for easier clean-up. Use parchment paper or freezer paper as the application is appropriate.

Wishing you the best solutions for your dilemma (and again, my apologizes if my response sounds short and sassy) but if you could be more specific with your needs, I'm sure many on this site and myself could offer great alternatives. Best wishes, mon amie!

I'll reuse foil, depending on what's been wrapped in it. With raw meat I wouldn't reuse. It is possible to buy recycled aluminum foil though I don't see it too often. I reuse plastic freezer bags quite a bit for storage, for frozen vegetables or pasta and flour in the pantry.

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Makes handy storage and they're easy to keep clean.

For storing leftovers I have some tempered glass containers with tight-fitting plastic lids. They don't stain or absorb food odors like the plastic ones do and they can double as nice serving bowls.

KansasCindy, Joan just wants to know of other things she can do to cut down on using so much tin foil. I saw nothing wrong with her question. How much plainer can she get by saying Do you know ways to avoid it?

@ Teresa Kay - Huh? Joan did not ask for "other things she can do to cut down on using so much tin foil." (Your post.) She asked, "So, my question. Do you know ways to avoid using it?" (Joan's original post.)

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I didn't see anything wrong with her question, either, Teresa Kay. Nor do I see any problem with my response ", just don't use it! :)" I think her question and my response were open, honest and respectful communiques.

What's your problem with my response offering specific suggestions of how she could avoid using aluminum foil if that is her preference? Are you trying to make a point that I don't get (and I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt here) or are you trying to pick a verbal brawl here?

I have no problem if you disagree with my response, but how dare you insinuate that I was twisting Joan's words. Shame on you for such a judgmental response while failing to accurately quote her question and my response

I wish Joan all the best, but when the question is "...how can I avoid..." such and such and a person's response (mine) is " ... just don't" with additional ideas of how to avoid the circumstances, it is not rude nor callous to simply state the obvious.

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Why in the world did you feel it necessary to slam my innocent, well meaning and reasonably light hearted response? Words matter and your words were mean and hurtful towards me. Did you really mean them (the words) to say what they did? Or were you just having a bad day? I'm praying for the latter so that your next day may be better for you. And I honestly wish the best for you as the hours, days, weeks, months and years pass.

KansasCindy, if you start a post by writing, "I don't mean to be a "smart alec" here at all, but - - - -, " then you are already aware that your following words are smartalecky. Perhaps you could not resist the obvious, but that is not what this site is about - it is about solving problems.

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Later you reply that you explained 'how to avoid circumstances'. You use the word avoid, and the word how. So, you did understand the gist of my question, and in my opinion you did mean to be smartalecky. I think there are two lessons here for you. 1. It is important to write differently than how you speak, if you want to be properly understood. Remember that written words represent only 7% of communications.2. There is a fine line between humor and sarcasm. I am not offended, but I do suggest you should be more careful in future.Your response to Teresa Kay was nothing less than a rant of unnecessary insults. So many words written in response to a rather minor, polite, rebuke.And finally, I do not use aluminum foil, do not buy it and have many other ways to avoid it, but was hoping to introduce the concept of ecological/energy/economic conservation. into the thinking of our frugal colleagues.

I use no foil when baking potatoes. I place clean potatoes in a 5 quart club aluminum cooker(or like pan) add an inch of water, cover and bake in oven at 350 degrees for an hour. I also do the same in a crockpot, cooking on high for about 4-6 hours. The potatoes turn out moist and delicious!